Should You Move Your Child to a Different School?

Author: Susan Hunt

Some children spend only a short time at a school because their parents change jobs on a regular basis and obviously the move is unavoidable. If you do have a choice about moving them, however, then you should consider the decision carefully.

The first thing to bear in mind is that younger children in particular can be extremely fickle about school – and their playmates. One day they have best friends and the next they’ve had a falling out and don’t want to go to school.

Sometimes, a child has been happy at a school but then changes classes and starts feigning sickness to avoid going. Often, this is because they’re missing the familiarity of their last teacher – and they will probably settle given a little time.

In some schools, they “mix up” classes as children progress through the school and sometimes the problem is that their close friends have now gone into a different class. Again, chances are that given a little time they will find new friends to play with so don’t take any decisions about moving to a new school until at least the end of the first term.

Bullying is one of the most common reason for parents deciding to change schools – but quite often, moving your child is not the answer. If your child is timid (or possibly a little different from others) then they could be the target of bullies at their next school too.

Contact School

The best course of action is to get in touch with your current school and explain that your child is being bullied and is unhappy. Most schools have a policy to deal with bullying and would always want to be told about the problem. If the problem is a teacher – for example if your child says she’s afraid of the teacher – then make an appointment to discuss the situation with the school. Lots of teachers shout – but some children find it frightening.

It may be that you want to move your child because they aren't making good progress and you think they'll do better at another school. This might well be the case - but you should speak to the school before making any decision.

It could be that the problem lies with your child, rather than the school in which case you will be putting them through the trauma of a new school for no good reason.

Children can be affected by all sorts of things such as tension at home, bereavement or simply laziness! Sometimes they sit next to a friend and are distracted - in which case the simple remedy is for the teacher to move them to different tables.

If a change of school is unavoidable, then do all you can to make sure your child doesn’t find the move too distressing.

School Application Strategist

Tell us your circumstances and we will map out a realistic school application strategy that maximises your chance of getting your preferred school.

Try our School Application Strategist free, here on this site →

Playmates

When a child is moving to another school in the same area for personal reasons, then try to find another child of the same age who already attends the school. Arrange for them to meet up or go to the park together so there’s at least one familiar face when they go there.

If your child is upset about moving to a school a long way off, then give them the opportunity to tell you about their feelings. Invariably if they have close friends at their current school, they will ask how soon it will be before they see them again.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Trips Back

If you can travel back within a few weeks or so – even if it’s quite a long journey – then reassure your child that they will be seeing their friends again. (Hopefully by then they will have already settled and made new friends – but if you tell them before the move that they can’t come back, they are likely to be very upset.)

Of course, if you are moving abroad then it’s difficult to promise a return visit in the near future – but maybe you could suggest keeping in touch by letter and postcards. If they are old enough to use the telephone or email, then make sure they swap details with their friends so they can keep in touch. You could also consider getting a webcam so they can ‘see’ their friends whenever they like.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our School Application Strategist lets you tell us your circumstances and we will map out a realistic school application strategy that maximises your chance of getting your preferred school. Try it now →

118 questions

Ask Get the Right School a Question

Keenos 13/02/2020 at 12:45 pm

I would like to move my child at start of year 9

anonymous 06/02/2020 at 4:43 pm

My daughter is in Yr.8 and has been experiencing various friendship issues and unfair judgement from teachers over the past few months. It has been brought to me attention that my daughter has been coming home from school every day appearing more and more miserable. At first I was convinced this was a phase and would fade within time. However, this afternoon she came back in tears after an art teacher unfairly gave her a detention individually... although the entire class was mucking around. I cannot help thinking that in this situation my daughter has been made the scapegoat of the classroom and this is clearly crushing her confidence completely. Before moving to secondary school we looked at two schools, the one she is currently in now and another one down the road. The one down the road is far bigger than our current school. One of our problems is that we have a French residential trip in July, which she is looking forward to. If I were to move her now, we would have to cancel the trip. What should I do?

NattieAmelia 01/12/2019 at 5:03 pm

My Autistic son left school on 22nd November to move house (106 miles away) on the 29th November - the house move has been delayed and won’t now be until the 11th December but his school are telling me he needs to be in school as he has exceeded the 5 days allowed already, however we are bobbing up and down from the new place constantly now and cannot have him in his old school until Thursday and Friday so they are saying he should then do a split schooling and attend his new school Monday Tuesday Wednesday and then his old school Thursday and Friday - he is autistic and won’t cope well with this - is there any law that states he has to be in school it can I spare him the upset and anxiety that this is already causing (he is worrying about it) and will cause once he is forced to go back before he has been told he will be. He is 5 years old and absolutely rigid on doing things as they have been said to him and things not changing - I don’t know what to do!!!

anonymous girl 06/08/2019 at 1:39 am

I've just finished my primary school and I have to go to a grammar school, which is far away from the primary school which I used to go to. I feel so sad and lonely that I moved away from my friends and I wished that I went to a particular secondary school in the area where I used to live. I will go to year 7 soon and I REALLY want to go to that secondary school which I talked about earlier.

Aac 24/07/2019 at 11:46 am

My son is starting pre school, he has a friend who lives next door to us who can get quite obsessed and possessive with him. Telling his new friends they're not allowed to his birthday party and they're not his friend, to the point that the poor boy didn't want to go. She also tells my son as and threatens to send him away if he doesn't do what she says, which upsets him alot and has been ongoing. Her mum I can get on with well, but she lies about stupid things and recently I saw her change a her words when I entered the room, blaming my son for spraying himself when it was her daughter, which I have no problem with, these things happen. . Another time her mum seems to think they she had not ever told him to go him when he didn't do what she said, but I have been there with her mum when it's happened lot and lots of times. So this makes me uncomfortable. Lots of other things too. When we when I bring things up tends to take offence as if I'm attacking her parenting or child's personality. So given all this, they were going into the same school, both me n her mum suggested it was best they weren't in the same class, then at their introduction the child was telling my child how to behave which made me really uncomfortable and worried about him having the space from her to make his own decisions and friends. Then she was telling his friends that they can't be his friends so I followed up with the school n made sure they're seperate classes. So now my son has noone from preschool in his class n I'm hoping I made the right decision. I realise the teachers could have managed it or my son could have overcome it or it could have just settled. But ofc I didn't want to stop them playing just create some distance. In hindsight a meeting to discuss all would have been a good idea.

Wwilk 24/07/2019 at 8:24 am

Hello
Who do I contact regarding a traumatic dilemma created by a primary school? My granddaughter has only just been told by the school that she has not reached attainment levels in Math and English but all other subjects and effort are high! They have decided therefore to keep her down a year! She is quiet shy but happy at school and have good friendships within her class. She has known her friends in class since play-school (3 years old). The ironic thing is she will join her old class for her math and English lessons ! This has caused her much anxiety as the new children are younger ( some with behavioural problems). They are much shorter (she is a very tall 9 year old) She stands head and shoulders above them all. She is already saying ‘I’m not good enough’ She is such a happy outgoing little girl and I believe this decision might have detrimental effects! She is so worried and upset by this decision. The school had only just informed her (just before the summer holiday starts) and adamant she is to be kept down! Why can’t they just provide the additional support in her weak areas in her original class? Is it all about league tables? This is a fairly new procedure brought in by a fairly new headmistress to the school and in my opinion the school standard has slipped since her arrival. There is also a teacher at the school who should not be teaching at all! ( but That’s a different matter and it seems nothing can be done about it despite the many complaints from parents )
I feel this being ‘kept down’ is a totally wrong decision but do not seem to have any say in the matter. Advice please?
Best Regards
Sent from my iPhone

Kk 03/07/2019 at 7:23 pm

My daughter was bullied by a girl for 2 years by a girl. Teachers intervened but nothing stopped her. My daughter was moved classes and spent the last year feeling happy and confident. Now the teachers are swapping the classes for the new year and my daughter is going to be back with the girl who bullied her. I'm not happy and my daughter is worried the bullying will start again.

A Father 03/07/2019 at 3:35 pm

My daughter is currently in y9 and I’d like to change her school to a better one. (For y10) she keeps complaining that the new school has too many subjects and she’d only like to focus on 7 subjects IGSCE’s only, and in her old school she’d have a total of 9 subjects next year and in the new school she’d have 10 subjects in which she doesn’t want 3 and wants a subject that isn’t available too. But the new school is one of the best schools and I’m afraid that she’s waste her intelligence at her old school who’s reputation is going down.

Benzahra 13/06/2019 at 7:31 pm

I would like to move my child from a school to ather

Deb 28/12/2018 at 9:17 pm

I put my fist up to a child at my daughter school I'm banned for 2 weeks now the new year round the corner I may be still banned from but thinking of another school for her coz unable to take my daughter to school relying on her dad not far really what should I do take her out of that school put her in another school so I can pick her up from

Caro 20/11/2018 at 5:07 pm

Hi , I’m planning to move my 5th grader and his brother 3rd grader to a private school.

The change will be in December .
The reason why is that we consider private middle school would be better for our 5th grader.

The problem is that to reserve this spot he needs to change right away and living all his friends right at the last year . They all have been together since KG.

He is very sad , but understand the reason behind it .

He knows that for middle school things will change . But he is so use to his friends and never wanted to change them.

I could try to keep him until the end of the year but he won’t have the benefits of entering and catching up with the different currriculum and will start with all new kids middle school .

We think if he starts early he can still make friends , because he knows someone in 4th grade and they all play together . 3rd 4th and 5th. That will also give him a chance to have his brother around .

But I feel very sad that he is very sad to live his friends

Please advice .

Carolina

Maz 08/10/2018 at 4:54 pm

My son is 7 and is an only child. He has had problems with behaviour in the past and now again in that he hit a child that has been (in his eyes) mocking him and being mean towards him. He tgen today pushed a boy which my nan dealt with but they also dealt with in school. My nan said it wasnt even a push. I dont think my child is settled there and i think the teachers have labelled him and are now disciplining him for anything at all and are being very harsh. Should i move him schools?

Mite 10/09/2018 at 8:20 am

Hi I need to your help.we stayed in Belfast for one year .we registered our son to Breda academy but it is not well .My son is sad and depress but we can change his school
Please help us to change his school

JaseN Editor 02/08/2018 at 12:52 pm

@Roster212 - only a 'specific issue order' through the courts would solve this argument. The only problem is that by the time the matter is heard in the courts, your kid would be at school :(

Roster212 01/08/2018 at 12:40 am

My child attends a school which is graded a below average school throughout the state by mulitple sources such as Niche and Greatschools.org. I have 50% and joint rights but mom has school zone. The school in my district has above average ratings.

Since my child has a 504, her mom thinks it is best to keep her in that school since she started improving since her 504 has been enacted. I believe the improvement would be vastly larger if she were to attend a school that was graded above average. Her mom wont budge because the school is minutes from her home and that means if she moves schools, she has to travel to take her to school.

She wont speak with me and we have mediation in more than 2 week. School starts in about 10 days and Mom is riding the clock in silence until school starts so she can say she already started the year so lets keep her there.... Hopefull a hearing shortly after.

What can i do to show that it would benefit my child to go to a school that is an 8/10 rating so she can stop going to a school that is a 4/10 rating?

Andrea Editor 30/07/2018 at 2:22 pm

@Kimmy - the unfortunate thing is that your son would still have to repeat the year if he moves school. You would need to speak to the head of the current school directly or your LEA.

Kimmy 28/07/2018 at 3:22 am

Hi.I have a 7 year old son who is currently in grade 1,He has been bullied and he is not well most of the time health wise.The teacher is also giving him a hard time and he is failing dissimarly.I have spoken to the teacher and she told me that my son will be repeating next year in 2019. I belive my son fears her and i want to change him to another school but he is already in 3rd term.Please help me i need to know what to do,is it even possible to move him to another school at this age.

Mish Editor 10/07/2018 at 3:03 pm

@Magnolia - do what you feel is right. But if you know the school is going to close, you know that everyone including teachers will be winding down or looking for new jobs, so the teaching isn't going to improve.

Magnolia 08/07/2018 at 7:43 pm

My son's school is due to close in a year's time. I'm not sure which of his current teachers will stay to the end, and which will move on. Given he may be facing a year of supply teachers and general winding down, should I move him now or wait till his friends move too.

Nicole 21/06/2018 at 6:27 pm

My daughter might be moving schools and she is currently in Year 9 and next she will be in Year 10. Would it be too late to change schools? Would she fall behind?

DDD77 Editor 21/06/2018 at 12:30 pm

@Juinisma - maybe keep taking your son there and do fun stuff to get him accustomed to the area. Sometimes you just have to make the move. If he makes friends easily he'll settle in fine. You just need to get over this hurdle first. He's a teenager - he's bound to treat it as a drama :(

Juinisma 19/06/2018 at 9:32 pm

I’m really concerned about my 13 year old son. We are having to relocate about 100 miles away from where we live now, for business reasons. I have managed to get a place in a really good secondary school for my son. However, he is settled in the school he is in Now and gets upset whenever I approach the subject of moving. He has always found it easy to make friends and never seems to fall out with his peers. I have told him that he can still keep in touch / see his friends thanks to social media and gaming. We will also be making return trips. However this doesn’t seem to make things any easier and he says he feels really sad. I feel just awful, however we need to move in order to grow our business. I can’t expect him to understand this but I just feel helpless that I can’t make it better for him. It’s a big cloud over our heads and so any advice / help would be greatly appreciated.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 01/05/2018 at 3:28 pm

We are a UK-based site and cannot advise on US matters.

Tab 01/05/2018 at 1:35 pm

I need some advice here it goes I have a 15-year-old son who attended a school since kindergarten and now it’s a 10th grader we moved last year to a much better place better school that hospitals much more safe but my son is having such a hard time here he wants to go back to his old school he wants to graduate with the kids grew up with . He hasn’t made many friends here which makes me sad he’s always on his video games playing with his old friends having a great time my question is my son wants to go back to Florida next year and go to his old school and there is a way he can he could live with my mother which of course breaks my heart. I know that he would be so much happier at his old school to see familiar faces etc. please give me your opinion I need it

SandyShorrs 30/03/2018 at 1:13 am

Hey, need some advice. I’m currently in Y8 and 2 if my close mates are leaving to go to a new school far away and I wont see them again (not the problem) and my mum is practically begging me to change school. The school i attend is really really bad and I know this but In Y9 you start doing choices and If I have a horrible teacher for one of those subjects or people I’m not going to like are doing same choices as me I’ll avoid them, there’s a school that all my cousins attend and they all got good grades there, plus it’s way closer to where I live. I don’t know If I can move because I’m to scared of what’s going to be waiting for me at this other school, I know a few people like people who went to my Primary and like 3 others but apart from that I’m loss. The school is much bigger then my current school and I have issues with some of the Year 7’s there anyways. Thoughts on what I should do? Someone tell me what to do I beg because I can’t pick and if someone does it for me it makes me feel so much better

Ftz 31/01/2018 at 10:57 pm

I had concerns about a incident in class, followed policies, explained it effected my child, asked to move class, asked for SENCO support as my child has anxiety due to the incident. Was denied, didn’t even reply to my complaint. 3 months on I have involved outside organisations at Stage 4 complaints and work go the local authority, pulled my child out of school until she move class, support is out in place and a written response about what happened in class that day. Closed ranks made me feel uncomfortable, staff told not to help. I am disgusted Schools are getting away with this behaviour and aren’t following policies.

K 31/01/2018 at 5:22 pm

I asked my mum if I could move school and she said yes but I don’t know which one to go to?? I live in England!

Keeley 02/01/2018 at 2:47 pm

My child was been bullied not by children but by teachers she was going through a bad time after losing her grandad she is only 8years old. I had to remove her from the school an now she not in 1 need help how I get her in a school just not that 1

MissT Editor 03/11/2017 at 11:45 am

@annoynymous teen - I really feel for you. But I think you do need to address the issues you have at your own school instead of possibily moving them on to another school. The fact you can make friends is great and you shouldn't take it personally that you have fallen out with your friends, as this is part of school life and happens all the time. However, you may wish to try to ask yourself why on both occasions this has happened and whether you can see a reason why. Tackling the reason why should be your first motivation, and then trying to make other new friends in your current school again should be your new objective. You obviously have lots of friends in and out of school, but finding out what the 'same problem' is and trying to put right the 'problem' will help first.

annoynymous teen 02/11/2017 at 6:56 pm

Hi! I'm from england and I'm currently in year 8 in high school. I have struggled making friends as the group of friends i was with for a year decided not to be friends with me and after that i felt really upset and hurt. However after this situation, i made another group of friends yet again the same problem occurred. I want to move to a different high school and have spoken to my parent about it however I don't want to regret any decisions as it is a big decision. I'm worried that the same problems might happen in the new school and make it harder altogether however it could also me a solution to my problems.I know some people in this new high school and am friends with quite a lot of the students. I know it is a very hard school to get in and it isn't in our area and I'm just really confused as i absolutelu hate going to my current high school. Any advice?

GetTheRightSchool Editor 28/09/2017 at 9:52 am

I'm afraid we cannot advise what you should do. The difficulty is that if you have moved your child from his previous school, there may not be a place left for him to re-enter his old school if his place has been filled.

Bana 27/09/2017 at 4:18 am

I moved from small town to big city my 12 yrs ADHD is having very rough time at school , he feels not accepted kids call him stupid and he told me what ever he says it turns to come against him , his self esteem & confident is crushed. Should I go back to the small town ??? We moved 3 months back

MG Editor 19/09/2017 at 2:15 pm

@Iily - you need to talk to your aprents and tell them how you feel :( I hope it turns around for you. Misha.

Gem 07/09/2017 at 8:01 pm

Hi my 7 year old daughter has just went into year 3 she's very shy we were told who her new teach er would be before the summer holidays she cried her eyes out she's was having panicking attecks all because she didn't like this male teacher I tried to speak to school on numerous occasions I even made her try his lass a woman teacher was meant to sit with her but left her there I picked her up for lunch and she cried and didn't want to go back to school I rang the office they kept saying someone would ring me but they never did I kept her off the last 2 weeks on tuesday when they were meant to be back she screamed lost her breath I couldn't send her to school like that I once again rang the school asked for a meeting with the head teacher they said they'd ring me back the receptionist rang back the next day and said it wouldn't be possible to change her class or to have a meeting with the head and that I should find my daughter a new school I was actually abused at school at 4 yr old off a male teacher who got jail I was forced to go to school each morning I cried and screamed but wouldn't say why I didn't want to go I'm now having panicking attacks because of this and iv kept my daughter off its brought back so many memory's iv tried to forget I can't force her to go I just can't I don't want to change her school because I have a younger son that go's there and my niece and I want them to be together is there anything I can do to try and change her class

Bongi 28/08/2017 at 11:07 am

I have been trying to enroll my son since 2011 for grade 1 in Clarence primary in Durban. He is now in Gr 5 but im more upset that he has been rejected since 2011 till 2016. This year i just gave up.

Anxious Pupil 24/08/2017 at 11:14 pm

After telling my mum the conduct of behaviour on the behalf of the students at my school, it has her concerned that our education may not be going as well as we might have hoped. Everything goes alright usually it's just that a quarter of the time we aren't actually being taught anything of much use; meaning that she has got it into her head that we should move schools. However I'm not sure that it would actually get any better if we were to move, because what if what we think is bad, isn't actually in comparison? I guess I'm just nervous that if we did move it would be the same or worse elsewhere

fikile 22/07/2017 at 11:20 am

I would like to change my daughter to another school she was living with my mom in Durban , and now my mom is not well so she live with my brother so there's no one to care of her I want her to come and stay with me

Rosie 16/06/2017 at 10:30 am

I am an older single mum 61 I adopted my foster baby who is now 8 years old, she is a bright clever little girl. At 3 years old she started foundation at one school then we moved house and she continued foundation at her present school. The very first day she started full time school at 5 years old, the children were writing their name, when another child said my daughter was copying, the teacher dragged her to the floor by her arm, the child said my child was copying again, the teacher took my child in to the cloak room and shut the door and made her stay there for twenty minutes. I know it was this length of time because the next lesson was PE. At home time my child fell in to my arms sobbing heart broken, I was furious and went to see this teacher who completely denied this, I was really upset because anything could have gone drastically wrong as there were countless pump bags hanging up with long cords. All that term the teacher was very hostile towards my child. The next class the story was passed on to the next teacher, my child endured another term of being shouted at and being humiliated by this teacher, if I complained it made things worse for my child, however sheave out of this class with a very good report although this teacher told my daughter that if she thinks she's bad wait until you go in to the next class. My daughter is now nearing the end of the year with this new teacher who has emotionally abused my child, ignored her, and humiliated my child on a regular basis throughout this last year, and even told me that her last years excellent report was all wrong and that my daughter is well behind. When I go to the school about this teacher it just makes it worse for my little girl, she gets upset of a morning and dreads school, even though she never breaks time. I am thinking of taking my child to a new school for the September term but both the head teacher and the class teacher lie so much that I am afraid they will pass on some kind of report that will be full of lies and make me out to be some sort of neurotic mother. I just want my child to be happy and do well at school as I know she can. What can I do

GetTheRightSchool Editor 15/06/2017 at 2:22 pm

You should contact the Department of Education regarding this, as we can't comment on individual cases. Alternatively, you can complain via which

Linz 14/06/2017 at 1:36 pm

I really don't know what to do with my six-year-old daughter .The last year she has made no progress whatsoever and the week before her Satz they phoned me up to say she wasn't bright enough to sit the exam I was fuming and I feel like they just leave her aside ,I'm not sure why they only told me a week before rather than few months before now I am paying private education to bring you up to where she should be, She say she wants to move schools and she's not happy there i'm not sure if it's the teacher she's got or the school she's got ???!!! ??

AJ 07/06/2017 at 11:07 am

My son just started 5th year at high school he got his new timetable bfore the school breakup for the summer holidays he has being told he can't get national 5 maths because they are not enough maths teachers and their is only a certain amount of pupils can get the class they said it was nothing to do with his academic they put the names of the pupils into the computer and the computer picks the names of the pupils that don't have a place in the class he is sitting 4 highers this year and on 6 year do his maths higher so he can apply to a university but he can't get his maths at his high school can i apply to a different high school that will give him the subject's that he wants to achieve please help thank you.

Concerned student 05/06/2017 at 12:33 am

I am soon going into yr9 and I herd my parents speaking about me moving school's because of my class that keeps on districting me so I can't get the levels I know I can get. I mainly want to stay though because I struggle to find friends and all of my friends now are who I've been with since yr1 so what should I do?

Delia 02/06/2017 at 8:16 pm

I would like to change my son to another school because he has not home work and they do not have any after school activities such sports, drama, music. This activities are in school time table.

I'm concerned that he is spending a lot of time playing while my husband and I at work. Any advise please

Deb 27/05/2017 at 10:39 am

My child is in yr 5 she's been a victim of bulling but because she lies a lot no-one believes her I no she's capable of being a bright child but I'm so k and tiered of being called into the school about her lies and mouth she's said some horrible things but she doesn't mean what she's says half the time she has been through a lot in her life and all I want is a good education for her is it the best way to change schools the school she goes to is a brilliant school and she could benefit from it but I think she's not happy there so can I please have some advice on the best thing to do for her

J 26/04/2017 at 11:31 pm

I applied for my daughter to move to An engineering school because that is her passion and she asked me to, but school has become brutal for her now, and she wants to move to a different school, then move to her engineering school because she was offered a place. What should I do?

GetTheRightSchool Editor 26/04/2017 at 10:32 am

I'm afraid we cannot advise regarding this matter as every child is an individual and responds and reacts differently to particular situations. It may be that the new school will change his perceptions on the issues you have raised. However, he could just as much carry his attitude over to his new school.

Disney 25/04/2017 at 7:43 am

My husband & I are considering to move our 14 yr old son to a all boy school due to his change of behaviour. Unless we constantly ask if he has homework he will leave it till the last week of being due. My husband, our daughter & I have helped him on two assignments so as to be on time..Our son constantly back chats & questions when asked to complete his chores. We think it's a phase but am close to enrolling him in a all boy school. Will this be the right thing for our son?
We have mentioned this idea to our son & why. The school of choice is a school we know he has friends in & my husband took our son to the open day to prove a point of seriousness.
We're afraid it might make matters worst & seek advice.

Essie 08/04/2017 at 10:52 pm

We just moved to UK from Belgium due my husband's job.
My son,12yrs old, changed several schools in the past because of bullying (BE).
Now, he is in a new school, new country, new language - which he speaks very fluently.
Despite of having some friends at school, many kids are picking up on my son. He is tall and big for his age, speaks five languages and very polite, friendly child. These qualities are making him possible target to some aggressive kids. Compare to past, he is definitely able to protect himself (Thanks to martial arts), then the kids are making fun of his accent (italian-american accent). Everyday he is coming home with complaints, which i am exhausted about...Fortunately, each time i report, the school is taking care of the bullying situation.
I know that i can not change school each time he has bullying issues but i wonder if there is any school with less bullying if there is website i can check?

i am really tired of this situation. Is it too hard for some families to teach some manner to their kids?!

Emmajane 04/04/2017 at 1:00 am

My daughter is 6 and in yr2 at primary. We are moving house to move in with my partner. Is it best to let my daughter finish her school year and start at her new school in September or let her start at her new school after the may half term so that gets the opportunity to meet people before the summer?
I just want what is best for her. Thanks in advance

GetTheRightSchool Editor 07/03/2017 at 2:05 pm

Your parent(s) or guardians are the first people you need to talk to regarding your thoughts and feelings. Often, we have idealised versions that another situation may be much better for us, if we had the opportunity. However, this is not always the case and sometimes a change in a person's situation can sometimes be an 'out of the fryingpan into the fire' experience. Therefore, any decision would have to be researched (to see if there are any available places at the other school) and talked through thoroughly with several adults to ensure that any decision made has been carefully thought through. This is not said in order to try and put you off considering a change of school. If you are deeply unhappy, then a change may be a justifiable option. But you'll need to voice your concerns to your elders first, before you can all begin to explore the possibility together.

Concerned teen 06/03/2017 at 7:29 pm

So,I'm currently in my second year of high school,and I really hate the school I attend,in all honestly I think the only reason I still go there is because I live 2 mins of a walk away from it. Anyways,there's another school nearby (a bus journey) that I would much rather go to. In my current school, I have trouble with other pupils,the group of people I hang out with always fall out with me leaving me with no one to go with resulting in me not wanting to go to school,I hate all the teachers and have been really unsettled for a few months,my grades have started to fall quite badly which is not like me at all, also in this school I'd much rather prefer I already have good friends there and I know plenty of people in my year there. I don't really know who to talk to about this and felt more comfortable doing it anonymously to people in similar situations. Is there any advice any of you can give me?

FeeFee Editor 02/03/2017 at 2:41 pm

@Mummamidir - this is great advice you have given. Fliss

Mummamidir 01/03/2017 at 6:09 pm

For the poster below. Please talk to your parents, all they really care about is your happiness!!! Us parents can get a little busy with working, parenting and running a household but we only really do any of it to give you guys, the kids, a better life than.we had. I'm sure your parents will not be angry or upset with the idea of you changing schools, but would be more upset with the idea that you are so distressed and unhappy, and that you didn't feel like you could talk to them about it. Us parents are great problem fixers! Your parents may be able to help you with your problems at your current school, and will help you change schools if need be. Does your teacher, head teacher know how unhappy you are? Your teachers are not just there to teach you, but to support you too. Reach out, tell everyone, or get them to read the message you posted on here if you don't feel brave enough to say the words out loud. Just make sure you find a way to let them know how you are feeling.

Nurinlee 10/02/2017 at 12:51 am

I really want to change school,because my teacher doesnt have enough time to control all the students...im a new student,if i want to ask something to the teacher,she doesnt have enough time for me...im really sad about it....but...at the same time,im also sad if my parents will be upset...because before this,i have change school too...once....i really want to change school with my cousin...because she will help me...i know that...because in my school,i dont have any friends at all....i dont know what to do...i always cry...but my parents busy working...they dont know what other things to help me....please...i hope you can give me some advice...im begging you....thank you so much....

Maham 03/02/2017 at 6:53 pm

My son is 6 years old ,he Is in year 2 and I'm working in the same school as dinner lady from the beginning when school opens!recption and year one went really good but in year 2 he had loads of problems he is a bright boy asking lots of questions in reading writing everythng best first teacher told me he is chatting alot then I saw by myself he asking about anythng and teacher tell him quite,he start locking himself in the bedroom I tell teacher to talk to him she said she did talk now he is fine after few days he didn't listen to me I said I need to talk to ur teacher he is crying with tears no no mummy don't tell the teacher she stop my break and she tell me don't tell ur mum today he came back with tears again that I was just humming and teacher told me copy the dictionary and look at the blank tv for 2 mints and now he don't want to go school anymore what is the best solution plz

GetTheRightSchool Editor 02/02/2017 at 11:18 am

If your ex has a residency order, then you would have to take the matter back to court in order to ask for a variation (even though the order has been breached). I suggest you seek legal advice in order to explore your options.

John 01/02/2017 at 10:46 am

My daughter has lived with me for the past few months and she now wants to move schools to one near to us. Mum said no and that she has full custody so I can't do anything. She has a residency order but because of my daughters age I was told there is nothing she can do about it and courts would more than likely agree with my daughter. There's no talking to her mum. Where do I stand on being able to move her ?

Worried mum 24/01/2017 at 9:05 am

I feel it is unfear the school should support us I don't want to have to change his school but for his safety I have no choice but if keeps happening again I may have to try home school he is 11 years of age

Worried mum 24/01/2017 at 9:00 am

HI my son has been bullied at school he has attended for 2 years he allways getting bullied and policed by other kids at school he had been getting sent home from school cause of other kids hurting and teasing him so in the end he got revenge and now fights back he got stood down till the board uplifted his suspension tho the school would only let him be at school for an hr to half a day kids started picks on him again so the school sending him home again and agreed for me to change school no matter what school he goes to this is always hapining he is add he's a lovely boy just struggles with other kids I'm so confused of what to do as I know the school have given up on him

GetTheRightSchool Editor 20/01/2017 at 11:09 am

I'm afraid it is impossible to predict. Much depends upon whether the school is at full capacity, and/or how long the 'waiting list' is you may wish to find both factors out ahead of your application. The school should be able to tell you more directly.

Momma Soph 19/01/2017 at 11:51 am

Hi,

We recently moved house in November got settled etc, Now we want to move my child to a better school. I used to live right by the current school she is at, but now moved 1.7 Miles away and found a school that is closer to where I live with a better ofstead, She is in reception at the moment and turns 5 in August.

What are the success of her moving? I contact admissions, I have been told to fill a form in and send back expect to be on a waiting list of some sort.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 13/01/2017 at 12:47 pm

You would first have to see whether there are is an availability in the preferred school by contacting your local LEA. Based upon that information, and if there is, you can then move forward to decide whether it is in your daughter's best interests to change her school.

Viga 13/01/2017 at 10:47 am

Please help I want to change my daughters school in mid year but I'm not sure if it is good decision or not ! (She is in yr 2) The reason I want to change is the education level is poor in current school and the ofested report is not good at all . The new school I applied for they offered her space and it's good school .I don't know to change her or not !
She made really good friends in her current school and she is very happy there .
Please I need some advice!!

Chad 12/01/2017 at 7:00 pm

Hi my daughter started high school in September & only 2 friends went to the same school as her & all of her other friends went to another local school. She isn't in any classes with them either & She is really struggling to make new friends & is really unhappy at school to the point she has just cried for days in her room & wants to switch schools so that she's at the same school as most of her friends. I have spoke to the school about it & they had a chat with her but that was it. Now a couple of months later she still isn't settled & still wants to move. I've explained to her though that the other school is a bigger school & might be in the same situation that she might not be in any of their classes either or see much of them. I really don't know what to do . I don't want to move her really as its closer to home & a good school & smaller also so less children to a class, plus the disruption. But I also don't what her to be miserable & her school work be affected if it continues as she's always done really well. She's not wanting to go to school either where she's never bothered before.

JGC Editor 21/12/2016 at 12:54 pm

@Lisamarie - I wouldn't move your son purely over incidents with this other child. Situations can change overnight and this may not be an ongoing situation with this child. If the school isn't doing anything, then complain in writing to the head. Regards, Jill.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 12/12/2016 at 12:59 pm

You would have to apply to the court for a Specific Issue Order if you wish to try to prevent your ex from moving your children's school. As in all cases, the court’s main concern is the welfare of the child/children in question. The court will always put the children's best interests first and this main issue will determine the outcome of any application for an order. I hope this helps.

Richard 11/12/2016 at 6:35 pm

I hope someone can help. I am separated from my children's Mother but I still maintain regular contact with my boys aged 6 and 4. The youngest had some behavioural issues when he started school in September but he has now had two weeks of perfect behaviour. My 6 year old has excelled at the school and always enjoyed going. Out of the blue this weekend the boys told me they were leaving the school at the end of this term. I have questioned the wisdom of this with my ex who states I have no rights in deciding where my children will be educated. Is this correct? As I truly feel that after settling moving them would undo all the good work that has been done with my youngest boy.

Wome 05/12/2016 at 11:11 pm

I have a child in secondary school and the school he is at always complain about him now they don't talk about his education none his grades anymore they focused more on his behaviour on how he needs to be assessed on behaviour problems no teacher in that school give him credit all they talk about in his report is all about his behaviour. today on my son way he called me crying told me he was told for three days he isn't allowed to come to school, he said he has been crying for hours but nobody care about him in that same school. What can I do in this case.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 15/11/2016 at 2:18 pm

While the school can voice its concerns, the school can't legally stop you moving as a family, unless there are safeguarding factors at play, in which case it would bring in Social Services. If there are no safeguarding issues, I'm sure if you can secure a school place for your daughter at another school, this will ease your passage. Whatever the case, you will need to speak with the school directly in order to find out.

Blue 14/11/2016 at 11:11 pm

I have agreed to do a home swap I live in Southampton and I am going to the Isle of Wight but i have a 16yr old daughter who is half way through her last year of school and in the middle of doing her GCSEs and she is one of the top pupils and she wants to move with us but she is saying that the school will not allow it and the social services might get involved we have been waiting for this opportunity to move for some time and if we do not take it,It might not happen again and where we are now is affecting my health badly and my younger girls are very unhappy here can you please help advice anything please

Julie 09/11/2016 at 7:34 pm

My daughter is getting bullied everyday. She has only got 9 months left than she moves into secondary school. We have been in to the school and told them about the bulling but the school just doesn't seem to listen. I am thinking of putting her into a different school but would they take her as she has only 9 months left. Thank you.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 14/09/2016 at 12:22 pm

I am sorry to hear this. I'm sure in time she will adjust and it can sometimes take a term or two until a child fully settles in. I can only suggest you speak to her head directly to see if there is something that can be done to help ease her into her new situation more gently.

kelbel 13/09/2016 at 8:21 pm

We have recently moved from one end of the country to another because of my husbands job . we have two girls aged 9 and 7. I had concerns about the 9yr old settling but she has settled quickly .m 7_yr old started OK but has now become tearful, feeling poorly etc at night . she says she doesn't like the teacher ,school but does say she has friends but not the se as her old ones . she doesn't understand that we aren't moving back
We at going to visit and she has written ,video chats and calls them . I don't no what to do feel like the worst mother . I hate seeing her upset

Be Anya 06/09/2016 at 5:22 pm

Dear Friend,

Our son is moving into Yr 9 and desperately wants to move schools. He has worked hard at his current school and has received good academic reports. However, he has received low level bullying (which could happen anywhere) and does not like the school. He is about to start on the GCSE options and we are our desperate as we want him to do very well but do not want to sacrifice our son's happiness/welfare. We had tried out for an over subscribed grammar but he didn't get in and south London is so difficult as they're all over subscribed. We are willing to sacrifice for Private even though this would be a strain. Its just so difficult in this borough for good state even.

Angie 12/07/2016 at 7:30 pm

I'm 16 and a junior at a independent study charter highschool. I've been going to this school for a year now and ever since I started I havent been happy there. I only go in once a week and the test is more on your ability to memorize than actually understanding the work. I haven't had a friend in years because I've never really met anyone through this school and I spend so much time in my room that I'm socially akward when talking to people. I dont remember how to act. And when I was in traditional high school I had horribly anxiety and panic attacks almost everyday at school, I felt constantly judged by my peers, I was unmotivated, and stressed out. I still feel unmotivated, worthless, judged by family, and anxious. I considering dropping out of high school and just taking an ABT test or SAT test and just start college. Or join a middle college high school. But I keep worrying about whether or not I'll be stressed there and can't handle it. My grades arent bad. Im behind in credits but my grades are A's and B's with like two C's. I have a bad attendance record though. I dont know what to do. Im not happy with my life at all, I feel miserable. I want to go to a school that will help me turn my life around. I want a school that's a good fit for me.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 22/03/2016 at 11:24 am

Please see gov.uk link herewhere you can complain about the school if you think it is underperforming. You would have to speak to the LEA directly with regards to school admissions and to see whether there are any places in your son's former school.

Deena 21/03/2016 at 2:51 pm

Hi. I really hope someone can help/advise. I have moved areas and have changed my son's school a month ago. He hasn't really settled there as he still tells me he plays alone at playtime. This is not my only concern as I think this would improve with time. My main concern is that the school doesn't seem to be managed well. The head teacher has recently left and standards have dropped significantly. My son's homework has not been marked since he started. He hasn't been tested on his times table and he is not at all being challenged in class. He finds all the work very easy. After speaking to other mothers in other classes I have realised that the school is not very good at all.

I have just found out that they may not have replaced him at his old school and wondered if it would be possible to ask for him to return to his old school! Really don't know how to go about it. Please can anyone help?

sb 19/03/2016 at 1:04 pm

My son is 13yr old I wanted to know how to go about moving him from his current school to another school?

Tilly Mint 14/02/2016 at 9:22 pm

My son wants to go to a high school where all his friends go. We don't live in the catchment area and his older brother is in a nearer school about to go to 6th form. I am a single parent and I can not afford the time or financial expense to send him to the school he wishes to go to. He is showing regular upset about this and is fuelled by his father, my ex, who is trying to fins ways of helping him to go. Although he pays £2.50 a week CSA for his son, he said he and his wife will pay the bus fare. I feel my son should be supported to manage the situation of going to his brothers school, however his father uses any opportunity to appear the hero and I do not trust him to pay. He currently has over £500 in child support arrears. I would appreciate others perspectives on this.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 10/02/2016 at 2:01 pm

I suggest you contact the school or LEA directly regarding this.

ME 10/02/2016 at 9:02 am

hi can anyone help me answer this qestion for me my child is attending a secondary school and i have put in for a in year transfer and have been allocated a place for another secondary school as a parent do i have the right to take my child out of there old school p

GetTheRightSchool Editor 04/02/2016 at 2:31 pm

If you feel you have been unfairly treated over this matter, you can complain via which

Saraheph320 03/02/2016 at 9:55 pm

My 7 yo son, diagnosed with ASD (Aspergers ) is being picked on at school by another special needs child. this has been going on since the start of autumn term (September 2015 ). He was moved to a different class from the other child but is still being picked on during play times. My husband and I have raised concerns at different times and have been
met with excuses and denial. We were also told that it couldn't possibly be happening as the child was being monitored, they also said my son was fixated. Now, last Friday, my son received a head injury from being pushed into a wall,which required medical attention, so I wrote an official letter which was handed at the beginning of this week. I heard nothing, not even an acknowledgement, until today when we finally received a letter blaming our son, they are denying there is an issue and have not said anything abut it stopping. the bullying child is also hurting other children at the school, most of them fight him back and he leaves them alone but our son, cannot process in time so he cannot react quickly enough. His friends have all confirmed via their mums that our son is getting hurt but STILL the school deny it! i am now in the sad process of thinking about changing my son to a different school. how do i go about this?

GetTheRightSchool Editor 27/01/2016 at 2:15 pm

I am sorry to hear you feel like this. School can be a lonely place if you have few friends and when not occupied the days can seem really long and the weeks drag until the weekend. It is a tricky question to answer as apart from the way you feel, there may be no available places at this other school, so it would be worth asking your parents to enquire first before you get your hopes up. If you are going into sixth form, then you may be given the option to transfer and apply to this other school, so I would also make enquiries about this. You don't say how long you have been feeling like this, but sometimes things can turn around in a day, and you can make a friend or two from people you have never really connected with before. Joining after school or lunchtime groups may help here. As far as your weekends go, if you have any particular interests joining particular groups may also help broaden your social circle - it only takes one good conversation to make a new friend.

Tt 27/01/2016 at 4:05 am

I'm a junior in high school. I'm 16 years old. I've always been the out going bubbly person at school and here lately I've felt a little of what seems to be depressed. I only really have two friends at the school I'm at now and they are both in a "steady relationship" each of about 3 years. I feel like I don't really fit in anymore. I sit alone at my house on the weekends and don't really talk to anyone anymore. It's gotten to the point where I cry about going to school or I just don't go. I hate being there. I feel so lonely. There is a school about 15 minutes away from my house where I'm starting to become friends with the people there and I'm thinking about transferring there hoping I'll be happier. I don't know if I should stay at my other school and stick it out seeing as I only have a year and a half left or if I should take a leap and go somewhere I think I'll be happier at. I also don't know if it's a good idea to transfer because I am a junior and I'm so close to being done. If really love if I could get some advice. I just don't feel like myself any more and I hate who I'm becoming.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 26/01/2016 at 2:23 pm

You would need to speak to the school directly about this as we can't really advise on a decision his teachers have made.

Corrida I 26/01/2016 at 12:41 am

my 14 year old son has been moved into another science class in another hall where he doesn't know anyone, the reason for this is due to a pupil from this class being transferred due to behavioural problems into his current class, and apparently they needed to moved one over due to numbers of pupils per class. And my son was randomly picked...
My son doesn't have a behaviour problems and has never been in any trouble EVER at school.
My son has been very upset with this for many reasons.
He has always enjoyed science, but now believes the teacher has singled out and doesn't like him anymore, he feels he has been punished for what this other child has done. And all in all has taken this really bad, he made himself Ill thinking about this all weekend, which has concerned me
My son is very shy, although he is friendly he's not the type to approach others.
I have made several attempts to talk to someone but have no response to any messages that I have left.
Can I demand that they return him to his original class

GetTheRightSchool Editor 21/01/2016 at 2:42 pm

It is difficult to advise on with so little information. However, as you may well know, you child should be in school and you would have to chase this up with the LEA or you can complain if the LEA are not placing your daughter in a school. You will really need to go and see your GP in order to get help regarding your daughter's self harming. This is something which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. You may wish to talk to someone directly, so I have included a link to Family Lives here which also gives information and advice on self harming in teenagers.

Kat 21/01/2016 at 8:13 am

Hi I'm wondering if anyone can help me I've removed my 13 year old daughter from her school because of building from pupils and teachers for over a year now and is self harming because of it I need to know what I need to do as they will not do the managed move please help I'm not shore were to go from here

GetTheRightSchool Editor 13/01/2016 at 2:24 pm

Have you thought of attending mediation? Please see link: Mediation: What is it and is it For Me?here to sort out the issue and where your son will be consulted regarding his preference. If your ex refuses mediation then you may have to take this matter to court. On another note, if your son resides with you and you have Parental Responsibility, then you can also make decisions about his welfare and what school he should attend, and could have refused your ex's request to move his school.

Shaun 13/01/2016 at 9:41 am

Hi my name is Shaun and I have a 8 year old son who gas been staying with me and my parents since birth. He also attend school and we provided in all his needs. We also made sure that we took him on a regular basis to his mother. The school he attended was a private school and has recently being transformed into a public school. The school however is still operating on the principles of a private school like 8 to 15 learners in the class. I am not married to the mother. The mother however decided that he must now attend a public school in the village where she resides. She is also still unmarried and has a temporary government internship job. The boy however are very unhappy and does not want to attend the school in her mother s` village and calls an cry me continuously. Furthermore he was one of the top learners in his class at his old school. My question have a child of 8 years the right to decide that he wants to stay at his old school, because he was happy and he has done brilliantly, because I would like to bring him back

Regards

GetTheRightSchool Editor 13/11/2015 at 2:31 pm

Please see the information in the gov.uk link here on exclusion policy which should answer your question. You would have to take it up with the school directly.

Sasha 13/11/2015 at 7:00 am

Can I ask for my child to be transferred to a pupil referral unit? He is 7 and the only discipline policy the school uses is to exclude him. He did some time at the pru and it went well. The return to school has not gone well and he was excluded again. I refuse to send him back to that school.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 09/10/2015 at 12:02 pm

A lot also depends upon the availability of places within the school system. You really need to take this up with your LEA.

Denise 08/10/2015 at 3:42 pm

Hi my child has moved to a school the start of year 8 the first high school in year 7 is fitzalan she's now in the new school and she's currently in year 8 she's been there for a month and is hating the new school she is finding it hard to make friends and is alone and she's very unhappy and of course she wants to make back to fitzalan but I'm not sure how many times you can move a child because I have already moved her to a new school for year 8 I would love to move her back but I'm not sure if I can question is how many times can you move a child in a high school?

GetTheRightSchool Editor 22/09/2015 at 12:19 pm

I am sorry to hear this and can empathise totally how difficult it is for you as a parent when we see our children upset or hurt. For some children, making friends comes easily, whereas others struggle. I can only suggest you make sure you have all the facts about how and why this bullying is taking place and speak to the school directly, as they will have an anti-bullying policy in place. However, while we want to protect our childen and give help where we can, often a child can learn more from the experience by managing it themselves and making a choice to stand up to bullying, which in turn helps them develop the social skills they need. It depends really upon the extent of the bullying, as to what you should do. However, if your son becomes visibly distressed, then that is where you have to step in and speak to the school. You can get more advice from whichI hope this helps.

Kim 21/09/2015 at 3:46 pm

Hi my sons 7 and changed from primary to juniors and is struggling and finding it really hard I fell they haven't given the year 3s enough time to settle in and integrate my son has been harrased from day one by a year five students who has not when witnessed the abuse towards my son was punished but every day he's upset or scared and tells me he's lonely it breaks my heart and I want to change his schools but think maybe with time hell be fine and get on better or that he will be alone again in a new school I can't win with my decisions!?

GetTheRightSchool Editor 11/09/2015 at 10:50 am

I am sorry to hear this. I assume your son has been assessed in order for the school to make the decision for him to attend a special needs school, and this decision was based on specialist advice. Therefore, I can only suggest you speak with the school directly and outline your concerns and wishes.

Amma 10/09/2015 at 10:24 am

My son is 5 years he was in a mainstream school last year and he wasn't attending full time and sometimes the school called me to come and him before his closing time due to crying and banging his head so myself and the school thought of moving him to special school he have statement but he has been in a special school for less than a month but I've noticed some behaviour he is picking from the school I dislike so i want him back to mainstream school again what will I do am confused please help me thanks

Palku 23/08/2015 at 5:58 pm

I am in class 8 and am a bright student but don't fit in my school it is a all girls school I don't like my school at all . No one talks to me and my parents say that I am different from others in a good way.

rae 21/07/2015 at 5:08 pm

ADVICE REQUIRED PLEASE
We are currently experiencing difficulties with our school over them not informing us that my child (9) was not achieving his individual target in writing, resulting in him being removed from a behaviour reward style school trip. After a few letters back and forth from the Head we had a very short meeting with the two class teachers and Head of Year/Deputy Head. Our main argument is them not informing us but the teacher today said she cant possibly inform 30 odd kids parents of problems every day. The problems have arisen since the last parents' evening which we were unable to attend. They have said that it is my fault for not attending, but if the problems have arisen since the parents' evening what good would it have done anyway. My son is a high achiever, top tables etc and his end of year report is excellent. During the meeting the Deputy Head/Head of Year said as parents we have the right to put our child in any school we like and maybe we might like to exercise that right and not send him back in September. This seems awfully unprofessional and almost threatening. What do we do. Can they say this to us. I can't find anywhere to get advice from. Can anyone her help/

GetTheRightSchool Editor 29/06/2015 at 12:48 pm

@candy - I am sorry to hear this. Under English law you are not allowed to remove your children from the county without first gaining permission of those with parental responsibility, otherwise you may be charged with child abduction under the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. Therefore, you would have to gain permission from the courts before you attempted to make this move. I hope this helps.

candy 26/06/2015 at 2:10 pm

I have a relationship problems. Im staying with father of my kids and da kids in Newcastle but I'm from dbn kzn I have no relative's here beside them now it hard difficulties on my relationship I wish to go back home but the problem it da kids because they are in school here in grade 2 nd3 I need an advice what must I do

Mama 25/06/2015 at 5:37 pm

I have a situation we are moving and my kids and myself had our hearts set on staying at the same school, I understand I would be responsible driving them to and from school no problem. My oldest is 9 Been going there since jk I have 2 others going there and registered my younger one there as well she will be starting on sept.i exited to the principle that my oldest has a mild disability and it's not easy for her to learn like other students and also that I have there baby sitter 5 mins from the school for when o work, also Already moving to a new house new town was stressful enough never mind leaving there friends and only school they have ever known behind. I personally think it's way to much on my kids but was told more or less to bad they have to find a new school :( I was just wondering if there was anyone I could call to help us keep the kids in the school that they already attending. Thank you

GetTheRightSchool Editor 13/03/2015 at 11:29 am

@Kenneth77 - I think this is something you should discuss with your teachers/head to see if you can get back on track by talking through what you have said here with them. They will respect you for this approach, as it is a brave and positive one. The first thing to do is to change your attitude which I think this would be better than actually changing schools, especially if you are at a very good one. But in order to do this, you have to want to and also want to keep away from trouble, so you need to mean what you say. You can turn the teacher's attitude towards you around if you simply decide to behave in class rather than not. You can also pull your grades and marks around again, by concentrating on your work rather than fooling around. You are obviously a very intelligent young man, but do you really want to come out of school with a lack of qualifications? Trust me, if you continue to let your work skip, when you leave school you will regret it. Part of solving your problem is realising you have one, which you have, the best thing you can do is work on trying to fix it and by making a concerted effort to do this, I'm sure you will change people's opinion in of you in no time and you will be back at the top of the class. Surely that will feel much better than slipping further and further down the educational scale. Good luck.

Kenneth77 11/03/2015 at 2:58 pm

I am in the eighth grade. I have made lots of friend, but have also made lots of enemies.My scores are really going down because of the influence by my classmates.i used to be the first rank in class since 3rd grade until 7th grade. However,my score became worse and worse that i'm only third rank now. I'm even concerned i might be 4th this term. Most of the teachers in my current school hates me because they consider me as a troublemaker. I am considering to move school but my current school is the best in the whole city. Please help me consider whether or not i should move school. Thank you

Misty Editor 12/03/2015 at 2:04 pm

@troubled teen - I'm sorry to hear that you are not enjoying school. Remember, you are not the only one, lots of people have trouble fitting in school, if you think about it there are so many children under one roof, you are not going to all get on with each other. We all seem to think it is just us having a hard time, but I can promise you that other children are too. Everyone in school is just trying to get through it and survive the best they can and best friends fall out all the time. I'm sure you know a few friends that have fallen out. Have you spoken to your mum or dad about this - have they given you any advice? Have you told them you would like to change school? You sound intelligent and as you are aware schools are all of a similar ilk and at least you already know people at the school you are in, which in some ways is better than not knowing anyone at all and having to start afresh. If you are good at your work then I suggest you concentrate on this more than anything else. I'm sure all will be well in a few days again. But if you are really worried, you need to speak to your mum or a teacher that you can confide in, especially if your so-called best friend is hitting you. I hope your situation sorts itself out soon :))

troubled teen 10/03/2015 at 7:28 pm

I am in year 8 and want to move schools because I don't have many friends I trust as I have fell out with my best friend over her physically abusing me, the trouble is she denies it because she is a sociopath and she only remembers what I did to her not the other way round( kicked her out of self defence) she claims she was messing around but messing around wouldn't leave over 12 bruises. but I am doing really good at school and I am afraid of moving because I may not be able to make friends please help me

x

GetTheRightSchool Editor 13/01/2015 at 2:03 pm

@parent 9 - that is something we couldn't really advise on I'm afraid as that is a decision once weighted up only you can make. However, I think if it just seems like it is a passing phase then perhaps her loathing of the school may be something that might eventually disappear. On the other hand if she is consistent in her feelings, has been for a while and it could be affecting her school work then perhaps it is something you may want to consider. Also, does she have an alternative school in mind that she would like to attend? If she does then, it would be worth seeing if there are any available spaces, as many good schools are full. She may decide if she can't have a specific school then she would rather stay where she is. If she doesn't have a school in mind, it might be worth you enquiring what the alternatives are and what the place situation is, then showing her those available alternatives. She might just decide to stay where she has friends. I hope this helps.

parent 9 13/01/2015 at 8:17 am

Hi my daughter wants to change secondary schools because she hates her current one but if I agree to change schools am afraid that she'll might hate it as well should I change schools or not?

Confused 08/10/2014 at 3:43 pm

I need advice from parents who have changed primary school for their children other than because they have moved home. I need to get my child out of this current school before she is badly hurt....what social grounds can I give...no space in the school I want and don't want any other school. Thank u

manth 28/09/2014 at 8:25 am

I need serious help. I'm in year ten, so just over a year or so until we leave for college. I HATE my school. Not only do I get judged and called names everyday, I only have 2 close friends. The rest turned out to be fake. All the people are horrible in school they call me rude names everyday and humiliate me. I asked my parents to move in July because I also wanted to move just before year 10 so I could pick my options within the first day at that school.
They said they weren't sure. I wrote 4 pages about why,even all my friends at the school I want to move too wrote to my parents asking if I could move and why I should,how good the school is. My mum was almost giving in until my dad forced her to say no. He's always controlling her and saying "why don't you ever say what I say" and she just goes quiet:(
Towards the end of summer my mum had already told my family I wasn't aloud to move! So I found out and im still at this stupid school. Its so bad half of my year have moved to the school I like and year 9. I just need to move . I've never hated a school like this. And I know so many people there that im close with and I know the head. What can I do:(?

cas 19/09/2014 at 11:16 pm

My daughter has confidence problems and had separation problems when she was younger she cry ed everyday in her infant school and when she went to her juniors school she is so far behind all other students she has never caught up she has had different assessments and all show she is 3 years behind but not behind enough to get reconised with having a problem. Now I have to find a secondary school. But don,t want to send her somewhere she wont get any help. She doesn't want to go to a secondary school she wants to be home schooled.Not sure what to do the school all the children go to have over 1000 pupils and is a very big school not sure my daughter is going to be able to cope with it all really Can anyone suggest what i should do have spoken to her school but thay don,t seem bothered about her really.

Coree 11/06/2013 at 2:19 am

Okay here's a lot. Need help.My son gos to a public school and it's been the same school, in second grade he started recieving help due to having ADHD, he came home crying in second grade that the reading help teacher put her hands on his face squeezed his cheeks and called him a baby and the other kids laughed at him, I wrote letters to the school and spoke with them, teachers spoke up for the one teacher saying she'd never do that, but my son loved school when he was sick he'd cry to go to school after that he didn't want to go back, and they wouldn't remove that reading helper. He started at that time having kids pick on him for being slow, or because he needed help, then bully's on the bus, lots of letters and calls to the school, nothing done we were picking my son up and bringing him to school everyday because when he road the bus a kid in a higher grade would leave marks on my son from beating him up, rip and brake he's things, so we went to the school and all the principle said was I'm sorry you have to feel that way that you have to pick up and bring your son to school.so this and kids picking on him continued, then 5th grade 3 kids in his class and on his bus continuously picked on my son bullying him and leaving marks on him. I have emails back and fourth from the school. I was the only parent complaining about my son having marks on him, and being bullied , asking and beging for him to be moved to a different class and them saying they couldn't and nothing ever getting done,the end of the year comes and one of the kids bullying him steals his year book and writes over the summer I hope you hurt yourself and draws a picture(nasty) so I take a picture and send it to the school and ask for something to be done, they ask the kid who did it to write a letter saying that they are sorry.6th grade, my son got pick on over and over, I send emails, bully's on the bus in his classes, bully's in the gym rm so bad that he wouldn't change for gym. They finally offer him another place to change.All these years he falling and doing poorly in school, we have a meeting in November being for him to get more help that he's failing everything and he has anxity over school and combo locks and bully's and has 2 friends and that's all. The school did nothing, finally agreed to a combo lock for the lockers but I'd have to buy. That's allBullying and failing continue.I hire a special education lawyer, she assures me that the school would have time to turn things around this yr and help him pass and do better.Meetings for the IEP , the school doesn't think they have a bullying problem according to the lawyer even though I have kept all my emails.So they say they will keep him safe that they have cameras and people's in the halls to just watch for bullying, and that next year they will have co teaching but this year they can give him an extra resource rm and mark his agenda and give him sheets to fill out for bullying, but say t

tj 30/04/2013 at 9:30 pm

My daughter had trouble in a school before , but loved boarding, always ups and downs with pier groups and authority , she has now gone to an amazing school we are very proud , she was very happy the first term and has since lost the new friend she had made , now she hates the school we have waited for her to make new friends , when we meet them we can tell they are not her kinds of people and she is just making the best out of the situation , she has continuoisly asked to leave and move closer to home and wants to come home on weeekends , we did not want her to board as we do love having her around. She is sad and has been sad for the last 2 terms , do we carry on telling her it will get better and moving might make it worse , what do we do ?moving to a new school can be worse at 14 ? We so want her to be happy.

lauraxx 28/11/2012 at 10:09 am

Hi in september i changed my two childrens school as i had issues with my youngest's teacher, i felt i was getting no where by going to the head teacher or the education authority, so i made the hard dissision of moving them. My oldest (10) loved his old school was doing really well in his work. Since moving he has done down hill, hates school, wont do his work or reading, i was gettin rather concerned, he came home yesterday and broke down he was a mess told me hes been bullied since starting there, not physically but mentally and fowl mouthed with it, its been going on for 3 months, he doesnt want me to see the head teacher as the children will beat him up!!!!. My daughter has improved in her work and her confidence since changing school, but ssays she gets bullied sometimes and the teacher does nothing about it. I cant send them to different schools. My son is 10 and my daughter is 6.

chelseamae 27/10/2012 at 8:09 pm

hi i have a very big problem my son got refused his school place were my girls were they gave him a school the other end of the estate where i live the school they gave him rang and said they have 2 places for my girls and without thinking ive accepted the places the only thing is my daughters r gutted and refussed to start there new school after holidays she wont stop crying can i ring admissions and ask if they cud go back to there old school for wen the term starts can any 1 help me plz

lim 08/10/2012 at 6:08 pm

i dont think the y should if they know loads of people there

Ask Get the Right School a question

Ask our editorial team a question and we will reply with our advice. Tell us as much about your situation as you can: the more detail you give, the more useful our answer can be.

You do not need to use your real name. Please do not include your full address, phone number, email address, or the names of other people. We may edit or remove identifying details for privacy and legal reasons.

Comments are moderated before publication.